The Chasm Can Protect You

Today’s post is about creating those standards and boundaries for your new life, and enforcing them. One of the things addicts and other victims have a lack of is good standards and boundaries. -We also struggle with that enforcement part. The story of the rich man and Lazarus can shed some light on why those standards and boundaries are so important. You know if they have them in Heaven, we surely need them down here!

(Luke 16:19-31) (ESV) This is the story of the rich man and Lazarus in the after-life. Lazarus was in the bosom of Abraham (Paradise) being comforted, and the rich man was in Hades being tormented.

There are a few things we can learn from this story. Of course, we can see there is Heaven and Hell. When we look at this in terms of generational curses and recovery, we can get some great revelations. Verse 26 mentions a chasm that prevents one side from passing to the other, and vice versa. We may need to create such a chasm between us and the past, and those in our past, in order to prevent them from pulling us back and down. It will also help prevent us from falling back and down. Sometimes the “call of the wild” can be pretty hard to resist and ignore. Sometimes those negative things, thoughts, ways, etc., can catch us off guard and have us right back on that merry-go-round of defeat.

Verses 27-31 have to do with wanting to save someone else who’s stuck back there. You can’t do it on their terms. (You can’t kick that drug habit if you’re still going to hang out with the drug buddies, dealer, etc.) You had to get out. So do they. It’s easier to pull someone out of a muddy ditch from above, than for you to get in with them and try to push them out. Now you’re both in the slippery mud, right? When Jesus said, “he who comes from above is above all,” (John 3:31) He was talking about doing things God’s Way. We need to insist that the positive changes stay in place. We need to stand on the truth. We can’t afford to compromise-for their sake, and for our own. Otherwise, we may find ourselves right back there. Keeping that in mind, which do you think would be easier, or more effective – studying the scriptures, texts, etc., at your house, or at the “party house.”? See what I mean? There is a time, a place, and a way. Time will come when you’re ready to reach out and help someone else like you. You have to be in a place that’s “safe”, or conducive to learning, counseling, etc. God’s Way is the best way. It never fails. (Truth, Life, Way)* in this case, they’re in that order (John 14:6)

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Run Boldly To Him

This post ties in with yesterday’s post about the prodigal son. We need to know that, just like Adam and Eve, that knowledge of good and evil can harm us, and sometimes seriously, if we don’t know the truth and how to use it.

(Luke 16:1-17) (ESV) This is the parable about the dishonest manager, who gave the debtors of his master the breaks they needed to stay in good with the master, so that he would have somewhere to go, since he’d been fired. He was trying to cover up his own dishonesty and laziness, as well as helping those debtors cheat his master. When Jesus told this parable, the Pharisees ridiculed him. (Luke 16:14-17) The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. “The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it.^* But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void. (*or, urged forcefully to enter into it.)

Verses 14-17 are the ones I want to focus on. When you’re born again, and in recovery from your former life, whatever it may have entailed, you can get caught up in “doing” the perfect Christian stuff. I think about that rock song, “Walk This Way.” Recovery has to begin within. Jesus said, “Be perfect like your Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:48) If you’ll notice, Jesus makes reference to our hearts, and then says that “what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight (knowledge/understanding/heart) of God.” This first, tells us that our sight/vision involves all three: knowledge/truth, understanding/way, and heart/life. Truth is what is it. The way is how and why will this affect me/others; and how and why must I make changes if it affects us adversely. Life is first, how that affects my heart (positive/negative); because secondly, I want to honor life, to bring life giving/sustaining effects and results.

Secondly, we’re given a cut and dry picture: “what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” That tells me that I need to be observant of what’s going on around me. I was at a part once where there was some stuff going on. Let me tell you, I was so appalled at the vileness of it I was almost sick to my stomach. And I know there were some men there who felt the same way. Yes, I did leave the party. And this happened in my wild days. Jesus referred back to the law and the prophets. He warns us that the law will not become void. The law is sowing and reaping. This tells me that I need to know God’s Laws and precepts. I need to refer to them when in doubt. And let me tell you, the Holy Spirit will convict you whether or not you’re a believer. That’s a built in alarm of sorts, to keep you from harm. We know when it’s a no-no! Adam and Eve knew, and hid themselves from God. Thanks to Jesus, we don’t need to hide ourselves from God when we mess up. We can run to the LORD/Lord, and boldly! God loves us and will never forsake us as long as we seek Him. Finally, let me tell you, it doesn’t matter what, where, how, you did whatever you did; He is faithful and just to forgive you when you confess your sins to Him. But if you don’t confess it to Him, it will keep a stranglehold on you and your life. This ties in with the parable about the prodigal son. He ran to his father and confessed his folly. Your Heavenly Father loves you more than anyone else can. (Matt. 7:11) (Luke 11:13)

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Why Didn’t You Ask?!

(Luke 15:11-32) (ESV) These verses contain the parable of the prodigal son. They tell us about sibling relationship and rivalry. They also tells us something about how far off from target/goal, etc. we can get when we think we know it-and don’t. The younger son squandered everything he had, not giving a thought to the future. We can’t predict everything the future may hold for us. Sure, we can render some educated guesses based on what’s going on; but we never really can know for sure, can we? Lastly, this parable tells us about a father’s love for his children. But, there are a couple of other things we can learn from this parable. I missed them the first few times I read this story. They are important for us to know; especially when we’re going through recovery. Keep in mind that things like depression, divorce, physical disability, job loss, and other losses, can throw us into a whirlpool of despair. Recovery from these things can be just as difficult; but is just as crucial if you want to live peacefully and powerfully. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

We already know about that younger son. He never gave a thought about how hard his older brother was working. He never thought about all the things his brother may have had on his mind, or the things he might have wanted to do, but wasn’t able to-because he was busy helping Dad. We all can get a little selfish at times; but it sounds like this little guy was all about himself, doesn’t it? You have to wonder what Dad was teaching him…or neglecting to teach him.

Now, here’s the older brother. He’s worked his rear end off all these years, never asking for anything from his father. Sounds like he never complained about having to do all the work while little brother did whatever it was he did. We can see this in verse 31, when the father answered him: “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.” It sounds like this guy never asked his little brother for help either. Some of us like to play the martyr; suffering silently so we can feel entitled to that chip on our shoulders, don’t we? I caught myself doing exactly that a time or two. Hmmm, yeah, probably a few more times than that. LOL Lord, thank you so so SO much for your mercy, grace, and patience! This older brother needed to communicate with both his father, and his little brother. Apparently, he’d never heard that he was supposed to ask so he could receive, knock so the door would be opened, etc.

As older siblings, we often don’t realize how much we need to help our younger siblings to “learn the ropes.” We forget that they may be watching us and learning from us. I have to wonder if the little brother felt like his older brother never gave a thought to him. Maybe he even felt like his older brother didn’t care about him. For that matter, maybe he felt the same way about his father. Why else would you rather spend time with bad company? I thought about my “living right down” to my mother’s expectations of me. I also remember helping my younger siblings with homework and projects. I remember combing hair and helping them to dress when they were very young.

There’s nothing we can’t tell our Heavenly Father! He cares about every little thing! Everything that’s His is ours for the asking. He’s always there when we knock-usually before. It just doesn’t occur to us to look for Him just when the stuff is hitting the fan. We’re like the disciples: “Don’t you care that I’m perishing?” And the whole time, He’s right there; and, He’s got you. It is about communicating, though. It’s about remembering that communication involves not only speaking up; but also, listening up. His voice is loud and clear in His Word; and He will put people in our paths. He knows exactly what we need; and when we need it.

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First, Go Find It

(Luke 15:3-7) So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

I’m currently working on a crochet project. It’s a new design, so I’m having to count every stitch to make sure I do them correctly. I’ve thought I had it down, and could stop counting, a couple of times now. Guess what! Exactly. I should have about a half dozen pieces to put together by now, but I’m two and a half short. That’s because I kept messing it up.

When we’re in recovery, and also when we’re learning something new, we need to learn to stop and go back to that one thing if we need to – every time we need to. We often get ahead of ourselves, or take on too much at one time; especially when we’re in recovery. There’s so much to catch up on, isn’t there? That’s not the way to get it done, though. There’s too much that we can end up missing if we get in too big a hurry. Going back to that unmade bed, it’s much better for you to get that back under control, than try to take on a new challenge.

(Luke 15:8-10) “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The parable about the lost silver coin speaks about turning on a light and sweeping the house clean until that one coin is found. This lets us know that we need to find out what’s going on in the house (you). We need to examine it under the light of God’s Word and figure it out. Then we can make a good plan of action; both to correct what’s wrong, and to head off that same thing in the future.

Some scripture references: (Ezekiel 34:4) (Isaiah 63:9) (Luke 1:58) (Matt. 3:8) (Ezekiel 33:11)

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Saturday Silly – October 8, 2022

OMG!! My birthday (Oct. 14^th) falls on National Fossil Day! I was complaining about this to a friend of mine. She laughed and laughed. “Oh, c’mon,” she said; “63 is really not that old.” She said, “I bet you can still turn some heads. You should go out and “get you some” for your birthday. It might make you feel better.” “Better,”?! said I. “First of all, I’m really not the girl I used to be way back when. I don’t believe in having sex before marriage. Secondly, if I did, at our age, can you imagine what that stuff looks like and does to a man who hasn’t seen it before? You know darn well it doesn’t look like it did when we were 23!” I could almost swear I still heard her laughing long after we hung up the phones. National Fossil Day, huh? Hmm, you may be right. On the other hand, right after I recover from my surgery, I intend to start going to the gym. Maybe by my next birthday I’ll meet a slightly younger man…they still remember what to do with it. Nah, I’d have to marry him first; and I’ve been married twice…I think I’ve suffered enough already. LOL Just kidding.

Today, October 8^th, is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Thank you to all the Hospice workers out there! You are some awesome people!

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You Old Salt, You!

(Luke 14:25-34) (ESV) These verses not only speak of what the cost of discipleship is in terms of relationships, material possessions and temporal acquisitions (necessities), and your time and energy. There’s also a warning here, regarding holding back when it comes to the things we need to confess and give up to the LORD/Lord.

Verses 28-33 tell us why. “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

This takes us back to my post about making a firm decision to make changes. First, you have to consider what it’s going to take, and what you’re willing to give. You have to be willing to give all you’ve got to it, or is won’t work. You can’t put two tires on a car and expect to get anywhere in it. You’ll either be tipped over to one side and get stuck, or you’ll be dragging the rear end. Neither way will get you very far; and pretty soon, that part of the car will be destroyed.

There’s a clue in here about the number of Satan’s minions you’re up against. You’re outnumbered 2 to one, at the very least. The other clue in this verse has to do with God’s power, His protective possessiveness over you, and His steadfast love for you.

When I read this, I think about Mom listening to you whine and come up with reason after reason…and steadfastly, Mom says, “I’m sorry, dear, but my decision is final.” You know you’re not going to win that one, don’t you? Yeah, God’s just like that. “Okay, you asked me to help me, so I’m helping you. And, no; I’m not helping you your way, I’m helping you to do it my way because I know my way works best.” I have to laugh now, but back then it was the most frustrating thing in the world to me. Not the part where God’s going to make me do it His way; but the fact that I’d keep falling back into that mindset.

That brings us to renouncing all that we have. In the Spirit, it means you STOP thinking you have the answers. STOP making the excuses. STOP holding back the confessions and questions. STOP holding on to the pain, anger, self-loathing, etc. All that stuff does is serve the devil and defeat us.

The last verse is about the salt. When I read this, I think about an old Salt (sailor). They do not change their ways! They’ve learned it, they’ve got it down to a science, and you’re not going to throw a monkey wrench into it! That’s exactly the attitude we have to take when we’re making those changes. In the end, it will be so well worth it! You’ll recover your life as it was meant to be; real life. You’ll have so much peace, progress, and power, and so much of it to give to others like you.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Thrifty Thursday Souper Supper

Thrifty Thursday Souper Supper

I took a little creative break and concocted this little dish. Cold weather’s just around the corner, and this is just the thing for you after a long day. I cooked mine in a loaf pan over two Sterno cans at the park, but you can use your kitchen at home. It’ll taste just as good; I promise. This whole meal costs $11.88 at Walmart. If you use the Broccoli instead of the Spinach it’s about $10.90.

Ingredients

1 16 oz. Can Campbell’s Chunky Chicken Broccoli Cheese w/ Potato Soup

1 10.5 oz. Can Great Value Brand Cram of Chicken Condensed Soup

1 Cup Milk

1 5 oz. Can Great Valley Brand chicken Breast in Broth

1 13-1/2 oz. Can Great Value Brand Leaf Spinach OR 1 12 oz. Bag Great Value Brand Frozen Broccoli Florets. {You will use 1 cup of the Spinach} or {1 cup steamed & finely chopped Broccoli}

1 1 oz. Envelope Great Value Brand Ranch Dressing Mix

1 2.5 oz. Envelope Great Value Brand Real Bacon Pieces

1 Can Great Value Brand Frozen Jumbo Biscuits – 16 count * You may substitute Toast or Toasted French Bread if you wish

1 8 oz. Bag Great Value Brand Shredded Colby Jack Cheese

Instructions

Steam the Broccoli if you’re using that. Use enough to give you 1 Cup when it’s chopped. Then chop it finely.

Bake the biscuits according to the instructions on the can. They can bake while you’re putting the Souper part of this supper together.

In a 2 quart saucepan, stir together Chunky Chicken soup, Cream of Chicken soup, and Milk. Begin to simmer on medium heat. Stir in the Ranch dressing mix, the Canned chicken breast, and the Real Bacon Pieces, mixing well. Next, stir in the Spinach or the steamed & finely chopped Broccoli. Mix well and continue heating until just before it comes to a boil. Your Biscuits (or toast) should be ready now, also.

To serve, ladle the Souper Supper Mix over warm buttered biscuits or toasted bread. Top with a Tablespoon or two of the Shredded Cheese. Mmm, souper, souper awesome!

Serves 4-6

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Namaste

(Luke 14:7-14) (ESV) Verses 10 & 11 –“ But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

In this case, the person was honored by the host at the wedding. But, let me tell you what happens in the Spirit. In the Spirit, you are immediately exalted, or lifted up, because you planted a seed of honor and respect by “looking up” to the others there. We are lifted up from the selfishness and sordidness of this world to the peace and promises of Heaven.

Verse 13 –“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (2Cor. 9:6) (Provers 28:27)

Why invite the poor, crippled, lame, blind, homeless, etc.? Because, they have also been created in God’s image, and after His likeness. Hence, the Divine Nature is within them also. (Acts 10:34) Furthermore, Jesus said, “in as much as you did it to the least one of these, you did it unto me.” (Matt. 25:35-44) and vice versa: “In as much as you didn’t do it for the least one of these, you didn’t do it for me.” (Genesis 12:13) (Psalm 17:15) (2Sam. 22:25-27) (Matt. 18:33-35) (Matt. 5:7) (Proverbs 22:2)

(Matt. 5:6) “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” -Is it righteous to honor the Divine Nature in others? Do Kings and Queens bow to one another? Yes, they do. It is a sign of respect, and it is considered common courtesy. Notice the word, “common.” That means it is the least thing expected. (Proverbs 20:21) (Proverbs 11:25) (Job 34:17-19)

As I was reading these scriptures, that same thing echoed in my heart: You shall love the LORD, your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27) I have to tell you all something. That’s not just the law; it’s a promise and a revelation. When you begin to get the love of God toward you in you, it begins to manifest; within you in the way of healing and restoring peace. That then, begins to overflow outwardly as we grow in that love and peace.

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It Elevates Everything!

(Luke 13:20) (ESV) And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.” –This tells us that we can apply the Word of God, and His ways, to any area of our lives, and thereby elevate our lives.

I’ve spoken many times about how God broke off the yoke of cigarettes from me. I’ve talked about learning to rebuke those unclean spirits. I praised the LORD/Lord after He brought me through when my lungs crashed. I’ve also talked about how God helped me to overcome depression, and to regain the discipline and order in my life, and restored my peace. There is no area of life that God cannot touch and elevate. Knowing the LORD/Lord created curiosity in me about so many things. He fosters interests and desires in us. (Psalm 36:9) (Psalm 37:4) That’s why Jesus tells us to seek first His kingdom; that’s wherein the peace, power, and progress are to be found.

Zacchaeus is a great example of how the love of God can change your heart. Jesus acknowledged his presence in that tree, and Zacchaeus immediately pledged to amend his ways. And, he did it joyfully. (Luke 19) (Psalm 119:59-60)

(Jeremiah 30:17) For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal,
declares the LORD, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!’ – Wounds will keep us from functioning properly. A wounded leg won’t carry you as well or as far as a healthy one. A wounded heart has a hard time, first of all, trusting God or anyone else. When we can’t trust the One who can help and heal us, we have a tendency to take a lackadaisical attitude toward our recovery. As long as we hold on to that attitude and the distrust, we’ll more often than not, do things haphazardly. Today I’m gung ho to stay on target. Tomorrow I may skip it all together because, “who cares, really; right?” We have to stay disciplined and diligent. (Hebrews 6:11-12) Tells us to show diligence to the very end in order to make our hope sure. Paul is talking to the church about ministry; but this holds true in every endeavor. Only when we take that attitude and stand firmly on it, will we see our understanding expand, our growth begin to manifest, and our progress begin to happen. (Hebrews 12:12-13) (Proverbs 4)

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The Key of Knowledge

Today’s post hopefully will give us an idea of what the key of knowledge is. As usual, I’m reading from the ESV -English Standard Version. It is the most accurate translation to date. We’re studying based on (Luke 11:45-52) Verse 52: “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering.”

What, exactly, is the key of knowledge? Well, if you’ve been reading along, I’m pretty sure you could venture a good guess. A mother and father are priests in the home. We can see in God’s Word , that knowledge is a serious thing to God. We’re responsible for seeing to it that it stays true, and is passed on to the next generation. (Malachi 2:7) For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

(1Cor. 13:1-3) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. -This tells us that love is vital, not only to being, but to being successful. Love always aims for a gain in understanding, reconciliation, growth, and progress. When we work it out this way, everyone wins. It also strengthens faith and empowers boldness/courage, dispelling fear and mistrust. (2Peter 1:5-10)

The way we gain the key of knowledge, is by knowing God the Father, and our Lord, Jesus. (Romans 3:10) For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (John 14:7) (Philippians 2:5-7) (1John 4:16) –God is love, and we are created in His image, after His likeness. (2Peter 1:3-4)) His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. That divine nature gives us the power to understand things like love, peace, justice, mercy, and grace. Jesus said, “Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” (Matt. 9:13) Yet, just like at Golgotha, there has to be a sacrifice to atone for the sin. Oh, yes, there does.

Do you remember when Jesus told the woman at the well that God seeks those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth? (John 4:23) (1John 4:10) In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Other versions use the word “sacrifice,” instead of “propitiation.” What do we sacrifice? We sacrifice our fatigue and the urge to say something that’s not edifying, but hurtful (God forgive me, please)-yes I have been there. We sacrifice a few minutes of time to make sure that child, or even that grown person, is okay, and to help clean up the mess, or correct whatever the error may be; or to just help that one with whatever he/she may need. We sacrifice our ego, our self, just like Jesus did. When we do that, we are building one another up in love rather than tearing each other apart. There are a few more scripture references below. PS -Be helpful to yourself too, by sacrificing the urge to indulge in that negative self talk and attitude of self-loathing. (James 3:17) (Luke 6:36) (2Cor. 6:6) (Heb. 12:11) (Romans 3:25)

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